Blessed with ideal size and strength for the center position at the National Hockey League level, he competes for every square inch of ice. Produces good numbers thanks to his poise and playmaking ability.

Flaws:

Must prove he can be a dominant figure in North America. In fact, he may need to amp up his physicality in order to do so. Must also live up to expectations as the son of a legendary player in his hometown.

Career Potential:

Big scoring center with very good upside.

Career Honors & Awards

League

Honor

Description

Olympic

Olympic Bronze Medal

2014 (Finland)

Movements & Injuries

2015

1/13/2015

Missed 2 games (flu).

1/09/2015

Flu, day-to-day.

2014

12/16/2014

Missed 6 games (hand injury).

12/08/2014

Hand injury, injured reserve.

12/02/2014

Groin, day-to-day.

11/20/2014

Missed 1 game (illness).

11/18/2014

Illness, day-to-day.

11/06/2014

Missed 2 games (lower body injury).

11/01/2014

Lower body injury, day-to-day.

4/12/2014

Missed the last 24 regular season games (knee injury).

2/24/2014

Knee injury, injured reserve.

2/01/2014

Missed 4 games (knee injury).

1/28/2014

Knee injury, injured reserve.

1/24/2014

Knee injury, day-to-day.

2013

7/15/2013

Signed by the Florida Panthers to a three-year entry-level contract.

Career Transactions

2013

6/30/2013

Drafted by the Florida Panthers in the 1st round (2nd overall) in 2013.

Panthers center Alexsander Barkov had a goal in the, 3-2, defeat versus the Candiens on Tuesday.

sportsnetwork.com

Impact

Barkov gave Florida a, 1-0, lead, but the Panthers gave up two goals in the next four minutes. All five of the game's goals came in the second period. Barkov has 12 goals and 13 assists in 59 games this season.

Panthers center Alexsander Barkov has been a little bit better as of late.

sportsnetwork.com

Impact

Barkov has six points in his last six games and scored a goal on Monday versus the Rangers. Maybe it's a sign of things to come. Overall, Barkov has been disappointing with six goals and 10 assists in 37 games this season.

Panthers center Alexsander Barkov scored a goal and two assists versus the Red Wings on Tuesday.

sportsnetwork.com

Impact

Barkov has been very disappointing this season. Including Tuesday, Barkov has five goals and nine assists in 34 games. That's not cutting it for a guy who was supposed to be a fantasy sleeper heading into the season.

Barkov has been disappointing overall this season. Fantasy owners were expecting more than four goals and six assists halfway through his second season in the league. Barkov has also missed some games, which didn't help.

Panthers center Alexsander Barkov will return to the ice on Thursday against the Sharks. | 11/20/2014 6:58 PM

News

Panthers center Alexsander Barkov will return to the ice on Thursday against the Sharks.

sportsnetwork.com

Impact

Barkov missed the team's last game because of the flu. The 19-year-old has two goals and three points through 13 games this season.

Panthers center Alexsander Barkov scored his second goal of the season on Tuesday against the Sharks. | 11/11/2014 10:15 PM

News

Panthers center Alexsander Barkov scored his second goal of the season on Tuesday against the Sharks.

sportsnetwork.com

Impact

Maybe that will get him going. He has just two goals and no assists in 11 games to start the 2014-2015 season.

Panthers center Alexsander Barkov has the potential to score 30 goals this season.

sportsnetwork.com

Impact

Our projections have him scoring between 15 and 20, but his high upside makes him a good gamble in the middle rounds of the draft. Barkov is just 19 years old and how productive he is will depend greatly on how much the Panthers can improve under new head coach Gerald Gallant. Barkov will be the top-line center.

Recovering Aleksander Barkov looks good: GM | 07/13/2014 10:35 AM

News

Center Aleksander Barkov took the final two days of the Florida Panthers' recent development camp off, with general manager Dale Tallon saying he doesn't want to take any risks with the star.

Miami Herald

Impact

Barkov, 18, missed the final two months of last season after re-injuring his knee at the Winter Olympics. Barkov said his injury continues to heal. "He has nothing to prove to me," Tallon said. "We brought him in just to look at him, evaluate him. He looks good."

Aleksander Barkov may be able to return | 03/21/2014 7:45 AM

News

Aleksander Barkov (knee) might be able to return before the end of the regular season.

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

Impact

"It's a matter of do we want him to come back and how we want him to go forward," interim coach Peter Horachek said. "He's a young guy that's gone through that knee, so we want to make sure." Barkov has resumed skating after he was injured in the Winter Olympics.

No surgery required for Aleksander Barkov | 02/24/2014 10:29 AM

News

Aleksander Barkov doesn't need surgery on his injured knee, but he is out indefinitely.

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

Impact

It's unclear if he'll available to return before the end of the 2013-14 season. Barkov was injured while participating in his first Olympic Games with Team Finland. The Finns earned the bronze medal at the tournament and Barkov picked up one assist in two appearances.

Panthers to examine Aleksander Barkov on Fri. | 02/21/2014 7:45 AM

News

Aleksander Barkov (knee) will be examined by Panthers' doctors on Friday.

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

Impact

Initial reports suggested that Barkov could be sidelined for four to six weeks and that his knee will require surgery. Florida interim coach Peter Horachek said Thursday that he didn't have an update on the rookie center's status and that he was waiting for word from the team's doctors.

Aleksander Barkov could miss rest of season | 02/16/2014 1:21 PM

News

Aleksander Barkov (knee) told the Finnish press that his NHL season could be over.

Antti Makinen on Twitter

Impact

Barkov suffered the knee injury against Norway on Friday and is gone for the remainder of the Olympics. The talented rookie has eight goals and 24 points in 54 games on a poor Florida team. Do not forget about him next season as he could have a big season. The Finns were so impressed with him that he played on the top line with Teemu Selanne and Mikael Granlund in the opening two games of the Sochi Games.

Barkov out for the rest of Olympics | 02/15/2014 10:16 AM

News

Aleksander Barkov will miss the rest of the Olympic games due to a knee injury.

Antti Makinen Twitter

Impact

What huge disappointment for the Panther rookie. There is no word on who will replace Barkov on Finland's top line at this time.

Aleksander Barkov hurts his knee Friday | 02/14/2014 3:47 PM

News

Aleksander Barkov sustained a knee injury during Friday's game against Norway.

Antti Makinen on Twitter

Impact

Barkov had a plus-one rating and logged 15:03 minutes before he left the contest. It's not yet clear if he'll be available for Sunday's game against Canada.

Finland's Barkov excited to play with Selanne | 02/12/2014 10:50 AM

News

Aleksander Barkov is excited to play on the same line as NHL veteran Teemu Selanne at the Winter Olympics.

Los Angeles Times

Impact

"He's always been one of my idols," said Barkov. "I have been always watching him play and he's a legend. So I will enjoy every moment to play with him." The Florida Panthers rookie has eight goals and 24 points in 54 games this season. Selanne played in the 1992 Olympics in Albertville, France, three years before Barkov was even born.

Finns Aleksander Barkov to center first line | 02/10/2014 8:02 AM

News

Aleksander Barkov will center the first line for Finland when they take on Austria on Thursday.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

Barkov will be between Teemu Selanne and Mikael Granlund with Kimmo Timonen and Sami Vatanen on the points. Other line combinations in order with defense pairings are: Lauri Korpikoski, Olli Jokinen and Toumo Ruutu with Sami Salo and Olli Maatta on the blueline; Jussi Jokinen, Petri Kontiola and Juhamatti Aaltonen with Sami Lepisto and Juuso Hietanen; and Leo Komarov, Jarkko Immonen and Jori Lehtera with Lasse Kukkonen and Ossi Vaananen. Antti Pilhstrom and Sakari Salminen are the extra forwards.

Aleksander Barkov to play key role for Finns | 02/10/2014 1:02 AM

News

Injuries to veteran centers means 18-year-old Aleksander Barkov of the Florida Panthers likely will be the third-line center for Finland during the Olympic Games.

NHL.com

Impact

Because of his youth, Barkov was viewed generally as a surprise selection for Finland. But the absences brothers Saku Koivu (declined invitation to Olympics) and Mikko Koivu (ankle injury) as well as Valtteri Filppula (ankle injury) almost certainly will mean that Barkov will be Finland's third-line center. In fact, NHL.com says that, despite his age, it wouldn't be surprising to see Barkov move up to a top-six forward for Finland.

Aleksander Barkov returns Saturday | 02/02/2014 9:58 AM

News

Aleksander Barkov had a minus-two rating in his return from a knee injury.

Miami Herald

Impact

Barkov missed four straight games due to the ailment. He also blocked a shot and won seven-of-15 ratings in 17:50 minutes of ice time in Saturday's 4-1 loss.

Barkov to play Saturday v Jackets | 02/01/2014 11:44 AM

News

Updating an earlier item, it looks as if Aleksander Barkov will play Saturday night against Columbus.

Steven Goldstein Twitter

Impact

It looks as if his knee injury is no longer an issue and rather than wait until Tuesday night, the Panthers' coaching staff are satisfied Barkov can play Saturday evening. Activate Barkov immediately if you need him.

Barkov won't play Saturday v Jackets | 02/01/2014 11:22 AM

News

Aleksander Barkov continues to progress in his recovery from a knee injury but he won't play Saturday night against Columbus.

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

Impact

He should be good to go Tuesday against Toronto, though. Look for Scott Gomez to continue to play in Barkov's place.

Aleksander Barkov skates, should return soon | 01/31/2014 5:22 PM

News

Aleksander Barkov (knee) was able to practice on Friday for the first time in a little over a week.

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

Impact

Barkov might return on Saturday, but Panthers coach Peter Horachek would like to see him get a few skates under his belt first. With that in mind, Tuesday's game against Toronto seems like a safer bet for Barkov's return.

Aleksander Barkov goes on IR, may return Sat. | 01/29/2014 8:45 AM

News

Aleksander Barkov (knee) was moved to injured reserve on Tuesday.

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

Impact

The transaction allowed the Panthers to activate Tomas Kopecky. Barkov might be ready to return to the lineup on Saturday, so consider him doubtful for Thursday's game at Toronto.

Aleksander Barkov (knee) won't play Tuesday | 01/27/2014 5:04 PM

News

Aleksander Barkov (knee) didn't join his teammates in Boston ahead of Tuesday's match-up against the Bruins.

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

Impact

He will miss his third straight game with what is believed to be a minor knee injury. The 18-year-old rookie co-leads the team with 24 points in 50 games this season.

Aleksander Barkov doesn't travel with Florida | 01/26/2014 10:03 AM

News

Aleksander Barkov (knee) isn't traveling with the Florida Panthers.

Miami Herald

Impact

The Panthers will start a four-game road trip in Buffalo on Sunday. He missed his first NHL contest on Friday. Barkov has eight goals and 24 points in 50 games this season.

Barkov not on ice for start of Cats' practice | 01/25/2014 11:43 AM

News

Aleksander Barkov is not on the ice for the start of Florida's practice Saturday morning.

Steve Gorten Twitter

Impact

He sustained a knee injury Tuesday, and at least for now, does not appear ready to return to action. Barkov will not travel to Detroit for Sunday's game but might join the team later on the four-game road trip. Scott Gomez will likely take his place again on a line with Brad Boyes and Sean Bergenheim against the Wings. Keep Barkov on reserve until further notice.

Report: Aleksander Barkov has a knee injury | 01/24/2014 2:29 PM

News

Aleksander Barkov's lower-body injury is reportedly related to his knee.

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

Impact

Barkov's injury is believed to be minor, but he won't play on Friday. He was hurt during Tuesday's contest.

Aleksander Barkov won't be available Friday | 01/24/2014 12:19 PM

News

Aleksander Barkov (lower body) will not participate in Friday's game.

Adrian Dater on Twitter

Impact

Barkov left Tuesday's game due to the ailment and is day-to-day before the Panthers' upcoming contest. The 18-year-old rookie has eight goals and 24 points in 50 games this season.

Aleksander Barkov's status is cloudy for Fri. | 01/24/2014 6:59 AM

News

Aleksander Barkov (lower body) didn't practice Thursday.

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

Impact

Interim coach Peter Horachek didn't provide an update on the rookie center's status, so it's unclear if he'll be available to play Friday against Colorado. Barkov was pulled from Tuesday's game as a precaution and his ailment is believed to be minor, but that doesn't mean that he's guaranteed to return right away. Don't be surprised if he ends up being a game-time decision.

"They said it would be safer. ... He probably could have gone back out," Horachek said after Florida's 4-3 victory over Buffalo. "We were [winning] and on the road. We just want to be very careful with him." Consider the talented rookie day-to-day for now.

Aleksander Barkov leaves game, wont return | 01/21/2014 9:21 PM

News

Aleksander Barkov left Tuesday's game against Buffalo with a lower-body injury and will not return.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

The rookie, who had notched his 16th assist and 23rd point of the season earlier in the game, is second amongst rookie forwards in average ice time this season. The Panthers have a couple off days before their next game on Friday against Colorado.

Aleksander Barkov, 18, gets Olympic invite | 01/08/2014 9:08 AM

News

18-year-old rookie Aleksander Barkov will play for Finland at the Winter Olympics.

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

Impact

"I think it's special that he's 18, in the NHL and playing against the best players, and playing on the top line, and his line is producing," interim coach Peter Horachek said. "It's a special start for him and to get an opportunity to go to the Olympics is special for anybody to represent your country." Barkov is the only rookie in the NHL to lead his team in points (22) and he's currently riding a six-game scoring streak.

Cats' Barkov extends point streak to 6 games | 01/07/2014 8:49 AM

News

Aleksander Barkov earned an assist in Monday's loss to Montreal.

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

Impact

In doing so, he extended his point streak to six games, which ties a franchise rookie record shared by Kristian Huselius (2001) and Jesse Belanger (1993). Barkov has earned a goal and six helpers during that span. He has registered 12 points in his last 12 contests and he currently leads the Panthers in scoring with 22 points in 43 matches. Barkov was also named to Finland's Olympic roster Tuesday morning.

Aleksander Barkov extends points streak to 5 | 01/04/2014 10:19 PM

News

Aleksander Barkov picked up two assists in the Panthers' 5-4 shootout win against the Predators on Saturday night.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

Every young player is prone to ups and downs, and Barkov, the second overall pick in the 2013 draft, is no exception. The 18-year-old started the year with seven points in October, then followed it up with three in November and nine in December. He has points in five straight games now, with 21 overall, and now might be the time to scoop him up on the cheap since he oozes potential. Goal scorers included Brad Boyes (goal, assist), Marcel Goc (goal, assist), Sean Bergenheim and Tomas Kopecky.

Aleksander Barkov feels more comfortable | 01/03/2014 8:00 AM

News

Aleksander Barkov is feeling much more comfortable in the NHL.

Miami Herald

Impact

"First when I came here it was a little bit hard because it's a different world, much better league than Finland with the best players," said the 18-year-old rookie. "It took a couple of games to adjust, and now I feel good and I'm ready to go." He has displayed chemistry with Sean Bergenheim and Brad Boyes of late. The trio has received plenty of praise from interim coach Peter Horachek.

Aleksander Barkov on a four-game point streak | 01/01/2014 9:12 AM

News

Aleksander Barkov picked up an assist in Florida's 2-1 loss on Tuesday.

Miami Herald

Impact

Barkov's point streak has reached four games. The 18-year-old rookie has seven goals and 19 points in 41 contests this season.

Aleksander Barkov leads Panthers to victory | 12/29/2013 7:49 PM

News

Florida Panthers rookie Aleksander Barkov continues to play well, scoring a goal in the team's 4-1 win against the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

The 18-year-old has three goals and five assists in his last nine games, showing a pronounced increase in his productivity in the last few weeks.

Aleksander Barkov has been heating up | 12/20/2013 9:35 AM

News

Aleksander Barkov potted his sixth goal on a deflection in front of Ottawa's net in a 4-2 victory Thursday night for the Panthers.

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

Impact

His marker tied the game at 2-2 after two periods of play. The 18-year-old rookie has been heating up offensively with two goals and three assists in his past five outings. Barkov currently has 15 points in 36 contests.

Aleksander Barkov gets two assists in win | 12/18/2013 12:27 AM

News

Aleksander Barkov collected two assists in the Florida Panthers' 3-1 win to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

Barkov has one goal and three helpers for four points in the last four games. The 18-year-old seems to be heating up as he becomes accustomed with the NHL game.

Aleksander Barkov finally gets another point | 12/11/2013 2:08 AM

News

Florida Panthers rookie Aleksander Barkov collected an assist in a 3-2 shootout win against the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

Barkov broke an eight-game pointless streak on Tuesday. Barkov hasn't scored a goal since Nov. 10. He's tapered off considerably since starting off the season with five points in his first five career games.

Aleksander Barkov's LBI should be fine | 12/06/2013 7:17 AM

News

Aleksander Barkov suffered a lower-body injury Thursday, but he's expected to be available for this weekend's back-to-back contests.

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

Impact

The rookie forward was hurt in the third period, but he should be fine to play on Saturday against Detroit and Sunday versus Chicago. Barkov is hoping to represent Finland at the Winter Olympics. "It's always great to play for Finland to try to win something, but I'm very happy to be here," he said. "That will come later. I have to be here much better." Barkov has 10 points in 29 games, but he hasn't scored a goal since Nov. 10 and he doesn't have a point in his last six.

Aleksander Barkov won't play in World Juniors | 12/04/2013 4:26 PM

News

Aleksander Barkov will not participate in the upcoming 2014 World Juniors.

Miami Herald

Impact

"There's no way he's going anywhere but here," Panthers GM Dale Tallon said. "We have to let him grow. He's a big part of our future and our present." Barkov has four goals and 10 points in 28 games this season.

Aleksander Barkov has been strong on the draw | 11/30/2013 3:19 PM

News

Aleksander Barkov has been strong in the faceoff circle during his rookie year.

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

Impact

He leads all rookies with 186 wins and is first on the power play with 32 victories. Barkov has won 50.1 percent of the 371 draws he's taken. He's been working hard on his faceoff skills with Frank Selke Trophy winner John Madden during practices. Barkov has been getting plenty of ice time with Scottie Upshall and Brad Boyes, so his production should improve eventually. He has a wealth of potential and has 10 points in 26 games this campaign.

Barkov getting the green light in FLA? | 11/23/2013 2:30 AM

News

Aleksander Barkov has been receiving the green light for the Panthers lately.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

During their western Canada road swing, Barkov has seen a spike in responsibility. Against Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary, Barkov has averaged 19:45 per contest which is an increase to his seasonal average of 16:49. He's also leading all Panther forwards in terms of power-play ice-time, garnering 3:41 (51.3 percent of all man advantage opportunities) per contest. Florida took a similar approach (green lighting them around the 20-game mark) with the development of last season's Calder trophy winning, Jonathan Huberdeau, so they might be going back to the well once again. Barkov has 10 points in 24 contests and trails Tomas Hertl by eight points in the rookie scoring race.

Aleksander Barkov scores goal for Panthers | 10/19/2013 11:39 PM

News

Aleksander Barkov produced his third goal of the season in the Florida Panthers' 2-1 shootout victory over the visiting Minnesota Wild Saturday night.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

It was a power-play goal for Barkov.

Barkov records a point in Panthers' loss | 10/08/2013 10:16 PM

News

Aleksander Barkov notched his second point in three games in Florida's 2-1 loss in Philadelphia.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

Barkov's assist came on Brad Boyes' first goal as a Florida Panther, but the team's offensive struggles from last year continue to haunt them. The Panthers have just one goal in their last two games.

Barkov youngest goal scorer in 69 years | 10/05/2013 9:32 AM

News

Aleksander Barkov became the youngest goal scorer in 69 years when he potted his first on Thursday.

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

Impact

Barkov was 18 years, 32 days on Thursday when he scored as he was only five days younger than Teeder Kennedy when Kennedy did so in 1944 with the Maple Leafs. Barkov has outstanding offensive skills and he could get 55-plus points this season if he is able to remain healthy.

Aleksander Barkov scores in NHL debut | 10/04/2013 10:35 AM

News

Aleksander Barkov scored his first carer goal in his first career game Thursday.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

The 18-year-old forward received 15:34 of ice time and he registered four shots on goal. Tom Gilbert picked up his first point with the Panthers on the play, with an assist, and Barkov's linemate Jonathan Huberdeau had the other helper.

Dineen seeks consistency from Barkov | 09/30/2013 10:26 AM

News

Aleksander Barkov is projected to start the season as Florida's second-line center.

Miami Herald

Impact

Flanking him will be veteran wingers Brad Boyes and Kris Versteeg. "He's a young guy who needs more consistency to his game," coach Kevin Dineen said. Barkov displayed "spurts" of strong play during training camp, but he was also dealing with his recovery from shoulder surgery.

Aleksander Barkov will suit up Thursday | 09/25/2013 7:36 AM

News

Aleksander Barkov will get back into Florida's lineup on Thursday.

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

Impact

He missed Saturday's preseason game because of tenderness in his shoulder.

Aleksander Barkov (shoulder) sits Saturday | 09/23/2013 9:56 AM

News

Aleksander Barkov sat out Saturday because of some tenderness in his surgically repaired shoulder.

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

Impact

The Panthers have been cautious with their first-round draft pick during training camp, but he's still slated to start the season in the NHL.

Barkov isn't pleased with his preseason debut | 09/17/2013 1:07 PM

News

Aleksander Barkov played in his first preseason game on Monday.

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

Impact

Barkov wasn't happy with his play after he finished with an assist and a minus-one rating. "It was very exciting for me to play, but I didn't play well," said Barkov. "I played very bad, but it was my first game. I'm better than that. Third period was best of the game for me, but still, very bad game." In addition to it being his first game - exhibition or otherwise - at the NHL level, it was also his first contest in six months. Barkov, who was taken with the second pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, is coming back from shoulder surgery. His linemate, Tomas Fleischmann, was far more positive, calling Barkov's performance "awesome." Barkov had 21 goals and 48 points in 53 SM-liiga games last season.

Aleksander Barkov takes part in scrimmage | 09/16/2013 2:14 PM

News

Aleksander Barkov finally got an opportunity to test his surgically repaired shoulder in a game situation Saturday at a team scrimmage.

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

Impact

"I think I played good, but I can play much better," said Barkov, who had an assist in the game. "I like to be here. It's a good place to live and play ice hockey. I just try to show everybody that it was the right decision to pick me second overall." He was held out of the rookie tournament as a precaution, but he should be fine for the start of the regular season.

Huberdeau's thinks highly of Barkov | 09/15/2013 9:20 AM

News

If Aleksander Barkov is wants to know what he should expect as a rookie in Florida, he can always ask his projected linemate Jonathan Huberdeau.

Miami Herald

Impact

Huberdeau is getting ready for his sophomore season after capturing the 2013 Calder Trophy. He was a year older than Barkov when he broke into the NHL, but Barkov already has experience playing with men in the SM-liiga. "I think he is more ready to play in the NHL although it will be a different style than he's used to," Huberdeau said. "I don't think people had a lot of expectations on me last year. I think the best thing he can do is not put too much pressure on himself. He's a good guy and I'm going to help him as much as I can. But I think he's fine. I've seen him at practice. He has a lot of skill." Barkov is projected to be a serious contender for the Calder Trophy.

Panthers make Barkov skip prospect tourney | 09/04/2013 2:14 PM

News

The Florida Panthers have decided to keep Aleksander Barkov from playing in an upcoming prospect tournament.

NHL.com

Impact

Barkov had shoulder surgery in April and while he's cleared to play, the Panthers don't want to take a chance with him. "Yes, he's ready to go, but we're just making a decision now," Tallon said. "Why jeopardize anything with three games in three days? He'll be more ready to compete with the big guys 10 days from now." Barkov is expected to make the Panthers' opening game roster after being taken with the second overall pick of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.

Barkov, others set for prospects camp | 08/23/2013 11:06 AM

News

The Florida Panthers will have plenty of talent attending their prospect camp, including 2013 second overall pick Aleksander Barkov.

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

Impact

Nick Bjugstad, Quinton Howden and Vincent Trocheck will also be featured on the roster. Florida is deep with gifted prospects and several of them will play key roles with the big club this season. The Panthers will play against youngsters from the Tampa Bay Lightning, Boston Bruins and Nashville Predators in a four-team prospects tournament starting on Sept. 6.

C Aleksander Barkov: Panthers' top prospect | 08/18/2013 10:10 AM

News

Aleksander Barkov, 18, is rated by NHL.com as the Florida Panthers' top prospect - and the team's general manager expects good production from the youngster in the coming season.

www.nhl.com

Impact

"He really wants to be a star, he wants to play here, and he wants to play right away," Dale Tallon said. "It's a little frustrating for him right now that he can't compete with his future teammates, but he's in the gym working really hard and our trainers have worked extremely hard with him. He's excited to be here, he loves it here and wants to stay here, so that's a real positive." Also on the plus side is Barkov's experience playing for Tappara in Finland's top league, where at a still-growing 6-foot-3 and 209 pounds he was able to more than hold his own. His 48 points (21 goals) in 53 games ranked ninth in the league. "He's way beyond his age as far as maturity, and I'm anxious to get him playing and I'm anxious to watch him develop," Tallon said.

Aleksander Barkov inks entry-level contract | 07/15/2013 5:10 PM

News

Aleksander Barkov has inked an entry-level deal with the Florida Panthers.

Panthers.nhl.com

Impact

Barkov was taken with the second overall pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. "We are pleased to have signed Aleksander," said Panthers GM Dale Tallon. "He is a mature, strong and skilled forward who plays well at both ends of the ice and strengthens our line-up down the middle. Aleksander is a creative and dynamic player who our fans will enjoy watching. We look forward to his contributions to our organization both on and off the ice." Barkov should make the Panthers' opening game roster.